Slope level



Nov. 24, 1953 E. L. CVALLAHAN 2,659,976

SLOPEILEVEL Filed Feb. 28, 1947 s Sheets-Shet 1 m 41! V 35 37 H8 /2737 /04 "8 L27 r9 i97 vas II'VVENTOR.

EZRA LEO CALLAHAN o 0 BY J wfw ATTORNEYS 1953 E. L. CALLAHAN 2,659,976

SLOPE LEVEL Filed Feb. 28, 1947 s Sheets-Sheet 2 n 5? mv \w m M s m m N gr, 3 A w L W m H I m 4 T QT w m/ m .v. H W l A x 1 g\ VY) I \v 3 1 $1 w & KS m} 1% o v w\\\\\\ .Q Q 4 w H HH w l fi h Wax ik Nov. 24, 1953 CALLAHAN SLOPE LEVEL 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 28. 1947 INVENTOR." EZRA LEO ML AH N AZITORNEVS 1953 E. L. CALLAHAN 2,659,976

SLOPE LEVEL Fi1ed Feb. 28, 1947 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

. EZRA LEO O4LLAHA/V 25'. BY ,1 W 4 W ATTORNEYS Nov. 24, 1953 E. L. CALLAHAN SLOPE LEVEL 6 Sheets-Sheet Filed Feb. 28, 1947 JNVENTOR. EZRA LEO (ALLAH/4N A TTORNEKS Nov. 24, 1953 E. L. CALLAHAN 2,659,976

SLOPE LEVEL Filed Feb. 28, 1947 6 Sheets-Sheet IN VEN TOR. EZRA LEO CALLAHAN WM 4 W Patented Nov. 24, 1953 TENT OFFICE SLOPE LEVEL Ezra Leo Callahan, Inglewood, Calif. Application February 28, 1,9,47, S erial No. 731,672

' 4 cla s. (01. 33-95),

This invention relatesto slope levels adapted particularly for use by carpenters, engineers, general contractors, construction foremen, mechanics, architects, and others whose work requires themto predetermine dimensions, angles and the proper disposition of various structural elements, and having particular application asan instrument to facilitate the predetermination of the cutting plane of roof rafters, sheathing and the like. i a I A principal object of the invention is to-provide a level assembly embodying in combination variousgraduated elements bearing scales in novel arrangement for the guidance of the user in manipulating the elements of the level for ascertaining and delineating the angles of slopes andbevels, testing and establishing levels, determining distances, and in laying out areas.

More specifically, an object hereof is the provision of a stock having a straight edge graduated in terms of inches for measuring one side of an angle formed between the straight edge and either of a pair of arms pivoted to the stock, the degree of any angle assumed being indicated upon an arc, associated with the opposite ends of the arms, together with a corresponding risein twelve inches adapted to ,beread in-conjunction with the scale of degrees, whereby the degree of the angle formed between the slope and run of structural elements of the Work is converted to rise in twelve inches and vice versa, for direct reading. g I

Another object is the provision of a T-square movable longitudinally on one of the pivoted arms and operable in conjunction therewith and with the stock for laying out triangles of any required form, the dimensions thereof being determinablefrom graduations carried by the arm, stock and square, respectively.

, It is also an important object of the present invention to provide within a single stock a plurality of spirit levels in combination with rotary slope indicators of novel construction by which the angle of a plane surface of the work against which either of the sides or ends of thestockis placed, may be ascertained and selectively read as the corresponding rise in twelve inches to assist the user in determining and laying out upon the structural elements of the level other .anglesand proportionate dimensions.

Another object is to provide meansassociated Still anotherobject is to provide a pair of arms independentlypivoted to a straight edge,- having associatedtherewith a calibrated arc to indicate the angle formed between each of the arms and the straightjedge, whereby an angle of predetermmea seg ee may V be formed betweenmthe straightedgelandfione of said arms andthereaft'er the angle thus" formedmay be variouslyand critically proportionedby the other arm to indicate the angleof difierent slopes simultaneously. ,Numerous other objects and salient features ofmy. invention-as, for, example, relative sim: plicity. and construction, ease of operation, econ o ny'ofmanufacture, and arrangement of parts most conducive to complete, efiicient utility, and durability, .will be apparent to those of skill in the, artupon an examination of the following description read in the light of the accompanying drawings, inwhich;

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a slope level embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 isja fragm ntary elevational view of the level shown in Fig.,l, taken from the reverse side thereorjanddepicting modified means for locat ing thendeyice withrespect to the work; 1 r

Fig. 3 is an enlarged broken elevation of the pivoted endof the intermediate arm; I Fig. 4, isal'sirnilar enlarged broken elevation of the pivoted end of the outer arm; '1

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the stock showing particularly the utility of the spirit level therein and the cap for the end of primary arc section; Fig. 6 is an elevation of the end of the stock in which the arms are pivoted with the arms in 'folded relation, and'showing in dotted lines an axial opening through the pivot pin for the arms through which an anchor pin may be projected; Fig. 7 is'a broken longitudinal sectional view through one end of the stock; v 'Fig.'8.' is abroken section of the opposite end of the level, and comprises a continuation of' the viewof Fig. 7;" i

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig, 2; v Figs. 10 and '11 are transverse sections on correspondingly-numberedlinesof Fig. 1; g Fig. 12 is an enlarged broken section through the supporting and adjusting mechanism for the shaft. of one of the rotary slope indicators; Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view through one of the rotary; slope indicators shown in Fig. 11; and depicting particularly the construction of the pendulum weight and fins associated therewith by which the indicator is'actuated;-- :T Fig ,14' is-aisectional view through a. modified form of rotary slope indicator;

Fig. is an enlarged front elevation of the dual indicator hand carried by each of the rotary indicators;

Figs. 16 and 1'7 are sectional views through the offset portions and outer ends, respectively, of the hand shown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view through the pivotal connection between the elements of the T-square, and depicts the association of the latter with the outer arm;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view through the clamp by which the T-square is secured in adjusted position against movement longitudinally of the lower bar;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary elevation of the end of the stock in which the arms are pivoted, showing schematically a chisel guide in the dovetail groove provided therefor;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary elevation of the are, showing in dotted lines the projection of the extension into the primary arc/section;

Fig. 22 is a sectional view on lines 2222 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is an elevation of the cap by which the end of the primary section of the arc is protected when the extension of the latter is removed;

' Fig. 24 is a fragmentary enlarged elevation of the slidable connection and locking means between the intermediate'arm andarc;

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 2525 of Fig. 24 of the end of the intermediate arm which is adapted for slidable association with'the arc and showing particularly the screw by which the arm is connected rigidly to the stock;

Fig. 26 is a transverse View taken on lines 26-26 of Fig. 24, showing the screw by which the friction lock for securing the intermediate arm and are in pre-adjusted relative positions is actuated;

Fig. 2'7 is a section through the arc, taken on lines 21-21 of Fig. 1, showing in plan the end of the outer arm to which the arc is secured;

Fig. 28 is a plan view of the underside of the chisel guide having a V-slot therein, illustrating v its utility with a pipe section shown in cross-section;

adapted to be substituted for the chisel guides shown in Figs. 29 and 30, for suspending the assembly from the work;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of one of the clamps shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 34 is a sectional view through one of the rotary indicators, showing particularly one of the adjusting screws by which the casing is held against rotative displacement;

Fig. 35 is a fragmentary sectional view through.

one end of the stock depicting the arc in elevation and the gib by which it is frictionally locked; r

. Fig. 36 is afront elevation of one of the rotary indicators illustrating the scales of degrees and of slope per foot delineated on the inner surface of the crystal of the indicator;

Fig. 137 is a broken fragmentary elevation of the Fig. 32 is an elevation of one of the hooks level, showing particularly the calibrations on the stock and arms and scales carried by the arc;

Fig. 38 is a sectional view through a modified form of rotary indicator incorporating a float;

Fig. 39 is a broken transverse sectional view taken on line 39-39 of Fig. 38.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numerals of which indicate similar parts throughout the several views, 35 (Fig. l) designates the stock of the level which consists preferably of a generally-rectangular casting having internal ribs 36 (see Fig. 9) to reinforce the sides thereof. The opposite sides of the stock are enclosed by a plurality of plates 31, adapted to bear indicia (not shown) such as tables of figures, instructions, illustrations, etc., which are useful in properly manipulating the apparatus. The respective plates 31 extend between transverse brace members 38 integral wit-h the stock (see Fig. 2). A rim 39 of the casting extending around the edge of each side of the stock protects the edges of the plates 31.

The lower longitudinal bar 40 (Figs. 9 and 10) of stock 35 is formed with an elongated recess 4| which extends from one end to adjacent the opposite end thereof for the reception of a pair of arms which are pivoted at one end of the stock on a pin 42 (see Figs. 1 and 6). The intermediate arm 43 (Fig. 10) is L-shaped in cross-section, one side 44 (Fig. 9) being received, when parallel to the stock, in the elongated recess 4|. The laterally-projecting side 45 of the intermediate arm 43 overlies and is contiguous with the outer surface of bar 40 at one side of recess 4|. The lateral edge of the overlying side 45 of the intermediate arm 43 and the adjacent edge of bar 49 are complementarily bevelled as at 46, so as to fit snugly together when arm 43 is in folded, inoperative relationship with the stock.

The outer or lower arm 41 (Figs. 1 and 10) is T-shaped in cross-section, the rib 43 thereof being aligned with and adapted for reception into the recess 4| of bar 40 contiguous with side 44 of the intermediate arm 43 when in folded position. The laterally-projecting portions of the outer arm 4'! are of a combined width equal to that of bar 40 and overhang the intermediate arm 43 on one side and a built-up portion 49 (Fig. 9) of bar 40 at the opposite side of recess 4|. The pivoted ends of arms 43 and 41 are jointly received within the body of stock 35 at the end of recess 4| (Fig. 6) and are journalled as above indicated upon a pin 42 extending through the portion 49 (Fig. 9). Thus each arm is pivoted independently of the other to permit its movement out of recess 4| and to assume various angular relations with the stock, the outer arm 41 being first displaced from the stock to permit release of the intermediate arm.

The underside of the stock directly below pin 42 is formed with a transverse, dovetailed, tapereol groove 59 (Figs. 20 and 28) which also extends through the pivoted end of the intermediate arm 43 and into the outer arm 47 for the reception of a, complementarily-formed projection 5| of a chisel guide 52 (Figs. 29 and 30). When the arms are in parallel relation with the stock, the reaches of groove 59 in the stock and arms are aligned with one another, whereby the dovetailed projection 5| of the guide 52 may be slipped laterally through the groove in the stock and intermediate arm and thence into the outer arm. The size and taper of groove 5|] is such as to frictionally lock the guide in the outer arm at a point intermediate the sides of the stock assembly'. In the opposite end of outer-arm. 41 another-transverse, tapered groove 53 is formed, located, "as hereinafter more precisely defined, for" the reception of the'projection 5| of asecond complementary guide 5i! of identical construction; each guide 52 is tapered to asharp edge to assist in mounting theouter'arm 41 upon irregular, rough or sloping surfaces. The modified form of chisel guide 54 shown in Fig. 31 adapted for alternative utility is formed'with a V-shaped slot 55 in the tapered end thereof to facilitatecentering and in maintaining the positiongof the arm 41 to which the guidesare at- 'tached upon a pipe 56, tubing, or other work having an arcuate surface, as indicated in Fig. 31; Accordinglygthe guides'52 or 54. may support the arm in parallel but'spaced relation to a straight'line extending between the'two points on the work contacted by the guides and thereby bridge irregularities in the work. It will be appreciated that with the outer arm 41 in folded relationship, the guides will project at right angles from the stock, which itself will be supported in parallel relationship with the plane'of the work to aid the, user in determining from thelevels carried by the stock and hereinafter described, the angle of inclination'of the work; A-pairof tapped holes 51 are drilled in the bottom of each groove .50 and 53 in arm 41, to receive in threaded engagement a pair of hooks 5 8 '(Figs.; 2- and 32) by which the level may be suspended in inverted position (with respect to thatshown in Fig. 1) from the work to determine the angle of inclination of a line extending between said points, as will be obvious. In accordance with certain utilities, it is desirable that a pair' of clamps 59 (Figs. 2 and 33) be provided for attachment to opposite ends of the outer arm so as to secure the latter firmly to a board or beam relative to which the degrees of angles are to be determined. Each clamp 59 comprises a pair of opposed members 60 connected in parallel relationship by an integral, centrally disposed bar 6| of sufiicient length whereby the clamp may straddle the outer arm 4-I. -A.set. screw-'62, threaded through the end of one of members '60, is'adapted to bear against one end of arm 47 so as to hold the correspond ing end of the opposite upright '60 in frictional engagement with edge of the arm. A' lug 52a projecting inwardly from the other upright member '60 in axial alignment with screw '62 is adapted to engage the opposite edge of arm 41. A

transverse brace member 63 is secured to the outer end of one of the members 60 and is equipped with a pair of spaced, inwardly-directed work-engaging lugs 54. The outer end of the other member 69 carries a set screw '65 whereby a bar, board or beam may be clamped between the lugs =64 and set screw 65 of the respective membersgfifl so as to hold the work in parallel relation against the outer arm.

In order to support the outer arm in parallel relationshipwith the work, and to effectively bridge slight irregularities in the surface of the work, without installation of the guides 52, hooks 5,8 or clamps 59, the ends of the outerarm are formed with pedestals 66 (Figs. '1 and 28) to support arm 41 upon and above the selected surface of the work.

,Thepin 42 ,by, which thearms 431m 41 are pivoted to stock is formed with an axial opening 61 (Figs. 6 and 20) extending throughout its lengthjfor the projection of a-nailor similar device (not, shown) .therethrough so as to provideya trivet point forho'ldmg the'pivoted endsof'the stock and arms in fixed position upon the work and facilitate the laying out of horizontal angles having vertices on the trivet point, incident to the manipulation of the arms with respect to the stock. V l 5 To the free end of outer arm 41, one end of a sectional arc member =68 is secured by suitable means so as to slide through the corresponding endof stock 35 in the plane of arms 43 and 41 incident to the movement of the outer arm on its pivot.

' The arc base section 58, having one end se-. cured to arm 41, is formed with a tapered, dovetailed mortise 59 (Fig. 22) in its opposite end for the reception of an arcuate tenon ll] integral with an arc extension H so as to maintain the extension of the arc in proper alignment with the base section 68. A set screw 72, threaded through the edge of the base section 58 into contact with the tenon H1, prevents inadvertent Withdrawal or displacement of extension H while permitting removal of the same to minimize the bulk of the instrument when the extension isnot needed. Normally, with the extension H removed, the end of the base section 68 of the arc is protected by a cap 13 equipped with an integral tenon 74 adapted for reception into the mortise groove 68 to maintain the outer enlarged end of cap 73 in squared position with the end of the arc section 68. It will be understood that the arc section 58 and cap 53 are of a combined length to position the end of the cap fiush with the stock when arm 4'! is folded. The cap 13 is held in place by set screw l-2 as hereinabove described in connection with the association of the base section and its extension. A lateral hole 15 in the cap is'provided for the reception of a pin or the like (not shown) to facilitate removal of the tenon It of cap :3 from the mortise 690i the arc section 58.

The dovetailed projection of the chisel guide 52 hereinabove described, mounted in the outer:

end of .arm' i'l, is received within the tapered dovetailed groove 53 extending transversely across the lower end of the are section $8 and outer arm 4? so as to bind the projection 5| of the guide 52 in the middle of the arm and with its tapered edge intransverse alignment with the outer edge of the arc (see Fig. 28).

The: lower corner of stock 35 adjacent the opening through which the arc extends is'cut away as indicated at 16 (Figs. 1 and 27), whereby the portion of the are 68 adjacent its point of attachment'to' the outer arm is visible through theppeningin the stock when the arm is in folded position." The faceof the composite are 58 1-! bears a scale, later described, along each edge thereof; adapted tobe read in conjunction with a Vernier TI and an index plate 1'8, respectively, securedin the opening "F6 (Fig. 27) directly across from Vernier 7? adjacent the opposite outer edge of the arc.

In order tolsecure the are 53 and the outer into frictionalengagement with the edge 'of' the" arc: I

The free aw theintermediate arin me minate adia'cent the iinner edge' of ar ea a'nd,

is formed with an integral finger 8| (Figs. 1 and 24) offset and transverse to the axis of arm 48 so as to project above and below the latter. Integral with the lower end of finger BI is a guide member 82 which extends parallel to arm 43 into slidable engagement with aligned groove 83, rectangular in cross-section, formed in the innet edges of the arc sections 68 and H.

A thumb screw 84 is threaded into a tapped hole in the lower end of finger 8I, which hole intersects with the inner end of a hole extending at right angles to the former through the guide member 82. The inner end of screw 84 is conical in form to cooperate with a similarly formed end of a pin 85 snugly accommodated within the hole in member 82. A gib 86, loosely fitted into the portion of the hole opening through outer end of member 52, is adapted to bear against the bottom of the grooves 83 in the are 68 and its extension 'iI. By threading the thumb screw 84 into the hole, the pin 85 is displaced outwardly to correspondingly force gib 86 against the arc and thereby frictionally lock the intermediate arm 43 and are 58 against relative movement.

In order to directly secure the intermediate arm in any angular relationship with the stock or in a position folded against the stock, I pro vide an elongated slotted retainer 81 (Fig. 24) overlying stock 35 and having one end pivoted to the upper end of finger 8|, comprising a part of the intermediate arm 43, by a screw 83. A thumb screw 89, extending through the slot and threaded into the stock above the Vernier 11, slidably engages the retainer 81. It will be obvious that by tightening the screw 89 down upon the retainer the arm 43 may be secured firmly against movement relative to the stock regardless of its angular disposition. The retainer 31 is of a length to extend between finger 8i of arm 43 and the thumb screw 89 when the arm is in fully extended position with respect to the stock so as not to limit the range of movement or utility of the intermediate arm. The hole in the stock into which the screw 89 is threaded is so placed that with the retainer 81 and screws 88 and 89 removed, the tapped hole in finger 8| into which screw 88 extends will, upon folding the intermediate arm into the recess 4I of the stock, be

aligned with the hole in the stock for screw 89.

Either of the screws 88 or 89 may then be threaded through the finger 8| and into the stock to hold arm 43 in inoperative, folded relationship.

A spirit level I of conventional construction is mounted in the end of the stock adjacent which the are 58 (Figs. 5 and 8) extends to aid in determining the vertical disposition of the work incident to the placement of the stock thereagainst. A guide plate IOI (Fig. 2) is pivoted in a recess formed in the edge of the outer arm 41 adjacent the attachment of the latter to the lower end of are 68 so as to swing outwardly from the arm and stock. A second guide plate I02, complementary in function to plate I01, is pivoted to the opposite end of the stock (see Fig. 2) on the end of pin 42. The plates IOI and I02 may be swung outwardly to assist in aligning arm 41 in parallel relationship with the work, the disposition of which is to be gauged by the spirit level I00, as depicted in Fig. 5 in which the work is designated by the numeral I03. It will be appreciated that the guides are also useful in aligning the arm in proper relationship with the work when the arm is extended from the stock.

A jointed T-square, comprising a blade I04 and back I05, is slidably mounted on the outer arm, the back being adapted to engage the outer edge of arm 41 with the blade I04 extending across the arm and stock (see Fig. 18) The base of the blade is .enlarged and formed with a circular opening I06 having a center coinciding with the point of intersection of one edge of blade I04 and the inner edge of the outer arm 41. This relationship of the blade and arm is maintained by a circular, flanged bearing member I01, the hub of which projects into the opening I06 in the blade and is secured rigidly by three screws to an extension of the back I05 of the T-square which overlies the edge of the arm 41 beneath the bearing member I01 and base of blade I04. The flange of the bearing member overlies the adjoining annular portion of the blade I04 to prevent inadvertent separation of the blade and back while permitting the blade to be swung arcuately upon the hub of the bearing member so as to form any required angle between the blade and arm. A boss I08, integral with the back I05 of the square adjacent the base of blade I04, affords a mounting for a clamping screw I09. The head of screw I09 overhangs the base of blade I04 with which it is adapted to be frictionally engaged so as to fix the preadjusted angular relationship between the blade and outer arm. The extension of back I05 below the bearing member I01 is formed with a circular opening IIO axially disposed with the bore of member I01, into which opening a transparent plate III is mounted. A pair of cross hairs carried by plate III intersect at a point coinciding with the intersection of the inner edge of the outer arm 41 and a calibrated edge of blade I04 whereby the exact disposition of the blade upon the arm may be ascertained with facility.

The T-square is normally maintained in described relationship with the outer arm by a pair of clamps IIZ (Figs. 1 and 19) which engage opposite ends of the back I05. One end of each clamp H2 is hooked under the adjacent inner edge of outer arm 41, and its opposite end extends downwardly across the outer edge of back I 05 but in spaced relationship with respect to the latter. A thumb screw I I3 is threaded through a hole in the last-named end of each clamp II2 so as to project into an aligned hole II4 formed in the opposed edge of back I05. It will be appreciated that by tightening the screw II3 against the bottom of hole I I4 in the back of the square the latter may be frictionally locked in any preadjusted position along the length of the outer arm. In order to assure the maintenance of the clamps H2 in their respective positions forming right angles with the outer arm, the portions of the back I05 of the square over which the clamps II2 extend, are formed with elongated recesses I15 into which lugs I I 6, integral with the underside of each clamp, are adapted to be snugly received. The T-square assembly is thus removable when its use is not required so as to facilitate handling and storage of the composite instrument.

Integral with the casting of which the stock is composed are two circular housings II1 (Fig. 7), in each of which a dual spirit level assembly II 8 is located. Each assembly comprises two arcuate glass tubes I I9 having their ends mounted in plaster of Paris blocks I20 and containing a suitable liquid and air bubble. The pair of levels I I8 of one assembly are arranged in spaced and adjacent relationship in opposition to one another so as to center the air bubble in one or the other tube when either longitudinal side of the stock is in a lower horizontal position. The tubes II9 of the other assembly II8 are rotated 90 with respect to the levels of the first assembly so as to indicate the vertical position of the sides of the stock, the respective tubes thereof being curved in opposite directions. The blocks I20 of each assembly carrying the ends of each tube are disposed within recesses formed in the circular wall of housing I". The tubes are enclosed within the housing 1 by a transparent glass pane I2I countersunk in the housing with the marginal edge thereof suitably secured to the circular housing. At the opposite side of the stock the side plates 31 cover each dual level assembly H8, but countersunk into the housing II1 beneath the respective plates is a mirror I23 arranged to reflect light transmitted through the glass pane I2! into the tubes II9 to facilitate visual location of the bubbles.

Also mounted in the stock adjacent the respective spirit level assemblies II8 are a pair of rotary indicators I21 by which the angle of inclination and slope per foot of the surfaces upon which the level stock is placed, may be determined. The indicators are of identical construction, and accordingly the following detailed description of one thereof will sufiice for an understanding of each. However, the indicators I21 are rotated 90 with respect to one another to indicate zero inclination with the lower longitudinal edge of the stock in horizontal and in vertical positions, respectively.

Each indicator I21 comprises a circular casing I28 supported within a housing formed within the casting of which the stock is composed, by a pair of screws I89 (Figs. 34 and, in dotted lines, I) threaded through the stock. The inner ends of the screws are tapered to form a bearing surface disposed at a right angle to the radius of casing I28 passing through the point of contact of the respective screws, whereby the latter may be turned into frictional locking engagement with the casing. The casing is formed with an in- Wardly-directed flange I29 at its rearward end, and a pair of diametrically-opposed guide ribs I30 within its bore parallel to the axis of the casing. The back of easing I28 comprises a circular plate I3I, the marginal edge of which bears against the flange I29. Diametrically-opposed grooves I32 in the periphery of plate I3I receive the guide ribs I30 which function to key the plate I3I and outer casing I28 together against relative rotative movement. The plate is formed with a plurality of openings I33 therein arranged circuitously about its axis to permit the flow of a clear heavy liquid with which the casing is filled, to opposites of the plate. Across the beacksurface of plate I3I is an annular corrugated diaphragm I34, preferably composed of copper, its edge being secured firmly by suitable means to the plate so as to retain the bulk of the liquid within the casing forward of the plate but to relieve, by its expansion and contraction, variations in pressure of theliquid within the casing which may be induced by changes in temperature. Fitted snugly within the bore of the casing I28 are a pair of annular lining members I35 and I36, similarly keyed by ribs I30 to the outer casing. Between the members I35 and I35 the marginal circular edge of a disk I31 is clamped. A glass plate I38extends across the outer edge of the lining member I36, and is sealed with the bore of the casting by a. gasket and ring nut as-.

sembly I39. Ribs I30 engage in complementary grooves I32 formed in the periphery of both disk I31 and plate I38 to hold the same against rotative movement. I40 indicates a. series of holes formed in disk I31 for the unrestricted flow of the liquid throughout the casing.

Journalled axially in casing I28 is a shaft I M upon which the hub of a needle I42 is mounted. One end of shaft MI is conical for reception by a conical bearing I43 mounted axially in the back plate I 3I. The angle of the conical walls of bearing I43 is slightly greater than the angle of the complementary end of the shaft I4 I, whereby the shaft contacts the bearing only at its extreme tip. Shaft |4I projects through an opening in disk I31 and terminates in a pointed end journalled in a, conical bearing I44 (Fig. 12) of wider angle, formed in the end of a screw I45. The screw is threaded into a fianged collar I46 clamped in an axial hole in the glass plate I38 by a nut I41. It will be noted that by rotating the screw I the bearings I43 and I44 may be critically adjusted to insure a minimum of friction upon shaft I4I. A needle I42 mounted upon shaft MI is accordingly free to rotate behind the dial in response to gravitation of a pendulum weight I 49 suspended from shaft I4I intermediate the back plate I3I and disk I31. The pendulum I49 comprises a shank through the upper end of which shaft I4I extends, and an arcuate section I50 (Fig. 13) connected to the lower end of the shank for suspension in close proximity to the inner surface of the adjacent lining member I 35. Each end of the weight section I50 is formed with an upstanding fin I5I disposed in a radial plane of easing I28. Fins I5I function to retard the swing of the pendulum in the liquid contents of the casing and minimize oscillation of the needle I42 when positioning the device relative to the work.

Needle I42 comprises a hub I52 having a pair of diametrically opposed radially projecting channels I53 (Fig. 17) composed of any suitable material. Intermediate the ends of each channel I53 the back of the channel is arcuately depressed (see Fig. 16) so as to form a lightcollecting concavity I54, the bottom of which extends, at each end, beneath the bottom of the adjoining section of the channel, as indicated at I in Fig. 11. An index line is delineated in the middle of each channel I53, so as to coincide with a, diameter of the casing and play across a dial marked on the inner surface of glass plate I38. The concave offset I54 of part of each channel I53 with respect to the plane of the back of the channel at the ends of the latter enables more accurate reading of the dial by obviating the parallax due to the necessary displacement of the needle I42 from the face of the dial. It will be apparent that the displacement of the reaches of the index line upon the outer fiat surface of the channel and the concave, depressed surface thereof results in parallax which will be obvious to the-user when the index line is viewed from a lateral oblique angle. If viewed from a point directly in front of the dial, as is necessary for accurate reading, the index line on the relatively. offset surfaces of the needle appears to be unbroken and will be accurately aligned with the proper calibrations of the dial. The extension I55 of the concave portion I54 of each channel I53 beneath the fiat portion thereof assures the appearance of an unbroken index line to the user viewing the device from directly above or below 7 the indicator needle. The dial upon the inner U q I at e s? fro ltbe os ies by n l ooio. so to oloyiaiio h ms ioe o? bubbles whiob mi ht s as n s ith he rooo o the et T o 'o'i o es i oo ao ll soalool. by a hteaoiod hf' ha oi bait looonies to" erosi ots el Iothe late I531 es. to mmo o. a ret n. i see: a 's eoi z l es. the El a 2 o as ass sins? sea-1i t e bearin shoals amns't boa e ot eo to? o ate Io? t ea esiel movomoet. e boat Wel o th oo tot onli motio o ooo s t i boot e IIEQ. is iamo tioalw. o eni l t n eloto t ro h it xt no ivo' otioeo. e. hroa oq as: oil; f tho o owo. lot solet o to e is effectiv o shi tho oat n and. t o

os it I otatable sumo ttod more: 5i t iolls so s to a sist ef tin a solu e. ali gifmehtof th index line masked o n needle 40. 4% i h the orooelibrstioo o tho d a whe he. le il ol s i a ho z ntal oos a.

stbeo o S L6 ho reboo ed odso isfitt int a oom-. Q1. montary axia o nin s ats a e Its. f w th. o. i o. W o r a'oo hei o th 'me o foo .oodook a taohoi n oi a a f fifli A sk t ti ntomosoo be ween, ap. .9 s was 38 Perm ts he, io tmot o of a Hold-tigh ea oo woo when 5 ooq late as: Tho o se E s t eaded. o mo n-H ion of 11??? I1 I. hatin n nwa dl -diseaseann lo ange t"; In gral. wit t e boat n to s o s o '1 Wels o oio ts th coue the hoeoffla d into lin lee e. nu fit e o stem "3 s olampoori i l suns an e amoo 1. b a nut I15; s via e x l. o roont. o the. eat n ith r s e t theli io The be rin maybe d u te lat ra o i th sc ews I65 thr ded ad a l n collar 1 n. oui-o eo o re a ion: bin i t their e l wme t ns h bor of inen- I'II. By varying the. threaded; extension of; oro s 1 nto ev ito o.ooeon t on 70 the stem I13. and beating Hi5v may be variably ub or e to as u o frf o ali nment o oi on i o o he sha t th the as 013- the c 'assom lx t. b ob owoo t a W- t 9 3. 1? W th oat ng: 45 max. be

in suitable. units ofiTmeasurement.

l2 sb itod a ial r lat ve. o be ring I60. A hole 7 i rm n. o llar I6? rm s the flo o t l qu o n ont o th oa ne ound, the bearin and allows the air to escape.

To further assist in effecting the proper align.- ment of needle It}, a set screw IT! is threaded tl ggugh the upper end of pendulum I49 to enage hel t 4 and th b l t e e e ents roedi st d. ior or' o n- Noo l I42 o the em od n of F 11. is so io o i a .hu I18 in o e om wh t lasso? tha s f 1 t pe fi oient p ay o i or t oa at ra ad u tme t pon th haft, a abou t be xp n d- A a ula ooa a stoovo I79 s ormo hu I18 to a o mmodate the heads oi four sc ews I30 threaded through the circular wall between the groove [19 and bor oi hu I1 so a to but against he sh it a d vari bl su port t e ee e n proper re ati n hip with th di l for o cc a e ea ing. The relationship between the needle and ha t s ro nf oo b a d IBI ntegra wi sh i I41 d d os d. i an axial openin ho di k I3 serie of holes 32 soul-spaced a ound the mar in l, edge o k 81 a ad pt d to receive diametrically-smaller threaded pins 1,3 Proio i ns toar ai from. hu 18 of e oo l IQZ- uts. it re d n a i I83 are of o to. olamp. t u and ne dle. in a la e e end ula o t a of shaft MI, o

va ously a s e ifi adju tme ar si E ss- 38 and 1. I ha il stra e o ifie orm 9? rotary is io t h re n h need e I42 is maintained in a normal position by the aotioo o both. a endulum ei ht and. a loat o boot The Pend lum I s. oi su stantially. he some ooestmo jon ho oinab e described- The uppe ono th sha k o th end l m. itted nu to haft .41 i termedi te the di k I31 and. b-ao s P ato The e s n assembly s m sses with li o: 13 an be n otherwise so tioa with. th oonstruot n. h rein e fe red to, is not further described. The, Weight I42 i e uip e w th. fills. I5I o. resist movement hr ugh the i uid w th which t e se s filled so to. dampen oscillation of needle, I42. Coninteg -ally with the u er end of the shank f. W i ht its. is. a float I190. comprisin a al d chamb r, the upper wall, of which conforms in contourextends. in close proximity to the when surtace. of the liner- I35. The bottom as float tilt is, connected to the arcuate section I50 oi the pendulum M9 by a pairfof strips IQI which correspondin ly. follow. the contourof the lower are of;- the. inner. surface of liner I35 to assure greaterrigidity in the needle-actuating assembly.

An important feature of the embodiment of Figs, 38 and 39 resides in the combination of a float and weight, structurally opposed but 'f-urictionally supplementaryto one another, wherein the buoyancy of float I is substantially equal tothe weight of: the assembly, 1-. e.,'to the weight of the float I90, pendulum-I49, Shaft [41' and needle. I42, sov as to minimize and in fact sub-.

H stantially. eliminate friction upon bearings H3;

and M14, which, accordingly, serve merely, in this embodiment, primarily as guides.

The. edge of stock 35 adjacent-the recess H in which the pivoted arms 13 and are i eceived;

. when in folded position, isstraight and is g'raduated in suitable units of measurement, e. g., inches, from the point of pivoting of the arms to its opposite end. correspondingly, the respective, intermediate and outer arms are calibrated Ina like manner blade I04 of the T-square is graduated from the point of intersection of the edge thereof with the outer arm 41 toward its upper end. The inner edge of the are 68 bears a scale I05 calibrated in degrees from the intersection of the arc and inner edge of the outer arm 4! to indicate the degree of any angle formed between the outer arm and stock, and enable the calculation of the angle formed between the intermediate arm 43 and stock 35, as well as between the arms 43 and 41 themselves. For many purposes it is desirable that the slope of the stock and either or both of the arms relative to one another may be ascertained in terms of slope or rise per foot. Accordingly, the outer edge of are 68 bears a scale I86 calibrated in thirty-seconds of an inch rise in twelve inches, the degree marks of scale I85 and the calibrations of the scale I86 coinciding for any adjustment of the outer arm and readable from the Vernier TI and index plate I8, respectively.

It Will thus be seen that the dimension of the sides; of any triangle formed between stock 35, T-square blade I04 and either of the arms 43 or 41 is at once indicated or easily calculated. Moreover, with the blade of the T-square forming a right angle with the outer arm and the angle between the outer arm and stock indicated on the are 68, the degree of the angle formed between blade I04 and stock 35 may be easily determined, as will be obvious, by merely subtracting the degree of the angle between the outer arm and stock from 90". A protractor (not shown) may be-associated with the intersection of the blade I04 and back I05 of the T-square to facilitate exact adjustment of the T-square with respect to the outer arm, as occasion requires.

In order to facilitate the proper alignment of the stock with thework when the outer arm 41 is extended, I provide two pairs of laterally extensibleguides I81 andI88 (Fig. 2) pivoted in elongated recesses formed in the edge of the stock adjacent. opposite ends, respectively, of the latter so as to be flush with the surface of the stock.

One pair ofguides I81 are arranged so as to swing in theplane of movement of the arms 43 and 47. The second pair of guides I88, similarly located at opposite ends of the stock, are pivoted on pins disposed at right angles to the pivots of the first pair of guides I81, whereby guides I88 are adapted to be swung outwardly in a direction parallel to the plane of the bottom of the stock to bear against the face of a work member contiguous with the rear surface of the level.

.While the applications and utilities of the assembly are very numerous, the following example, particularly pertinent to roof structures, will be illustrative. Given a run of twelve feet for an existing roof, the user may with facility find the slope and rise as well as the angles of the heel and plumb cut of the rafters. The T-square is set ona 12' calibration of the outer arm 41 to delineate the run of the roof. The outer arm is then placed upon the roof so as to assume the slope, and the stock 35 is elevated to a horizontal position by swinging it upwardly on the are 68. This position of the stock will be determined by the levels II8 or rotary indicators I21. The angle thus formed between the stock and outer arm is fixed by manual actuation of the friction-locking screw 19. The proportionate length of the rafter will thereupon be shown upon stock 35 and the rise is read on the T-square blade I04. coincidentally, the angle formed between the outer arm 41 and stock, the degree of which is indicated on scale I of the are 60, is that of the heel cut, while the angle of the plumb cut is formed between the blade I04 and stock. To mark a board to be used as a common rafter in such a roof, 1. e., for replacing or supplementing the rafters of existing roofs, the guides I8! and I 88 are swung outwardly from the stock and placed against adjoining sides of the board to support the bottom of the stock in parallel relation to the surface of the board on which the cut is to be marked, whereupon the user may accurately mark the heel cut along the outer arm. At the opposite end of the board, in a similar manner, the plumb cut will be delineated for marking the board along the blade of the T-' square, the relation of the stock and board being the same.

The side out of a jack rafter for such a construction may thereafter be obtained by first loosening the are and extending the outer arm to intersect the slope dimension theretofore obtained, on the T-square with the straight edge of the stock. The side out of the jack rafter will be delineated between the blade and stock,'. and may be marked on the board to be cut in av manner above described. The degree of theangle of the side out may be determined as here-: inabove indicated by subtracting the degreeof the angle formed between the stock and outer arm, indicated on the are, from 90", as will be obvious.

An example of the utility of the intermediatearm 53 and associated apparatus is as follows: A horizontal distance from one point to an inaccessible point as, for instance, a point beneath the surface of the earth, may be obtained by plumbing a rod (not shown) above the point .to' be located and measuring by means of a transit an interval upon the rod. The level I00 aids tov properly position the rod during this preliminary operation. The slope per foot of the line of sight from the transit to the lower point upon the rod is then noted, and correspondingly the slope per foot of the line of sight to the point at the upper end of the rod interval is noted. The outer arm E-i and the stock are spread apart by pivoting on pin :22 until the lesser slope per foot obtained from the transit is indicated on the are 68. The intermediate arm 43 and are 68 are then looked together b the thumb screw 34, and the angle between the stock and outer arm is increased until the slope per foot of the stock, indicated on the arc, corresponds to the greater slope obtained from the use of the transit. The stock and arms 43 and 41 are then locked together by the actuation of the screws 79 or 89, or both, thereof.

Thereafter the T-square is shifted along the outer arm until the distance along its calibrated edge between the intermediate arm 63 and stock equals the length of the rod interval. The horizontal distance sought will be that indicated at the intersection of the IT-square blade IE4 and outer arm 47. measurements laid out upon the elements of the apparatus are to scale and, by sealing, the reading on the outer arm indicates the horizontal distance sought to be ascertained.

Another example of the use of the apparatus which is indicative of the scope of its utility is as follows: It is sometimes necessary to determine the exact horizontal distance between two points, one of which is not accessible because of intervening obstacles such as a river or the like. With the aid of a transit a line is sighted between It will be understood of course that the points. At right angles to this line a. third point is set, and the distance between the transit and the third point is then measured, A line is then established with the aid of the transit between the third point to the non-accessible original point, and the angle between this line and the line established between the points of suecessive location of the transit is noted.

The level is then arranged with the outer arm 41 in a horizontal plane. 'The stock is tilted upwardly until the rotary indicator i2! (at the right end of the stock) registers the angle obtained above by the aid of the transit. Coincidentally, the other rotary indicator I27 will register in degrees the difference between the angle previously measured and 90 as a check upon the accuracy of the preadjustment of the assembly. The T-square is then moved along the outer arm until the unit of measurement on its edge scaled to the distance between the original and established points in the field intersects with the straight calibrated edge of the stock. The distance indicated on the outer arm 4! at the point of intersection between the blade 494 of the square will be the scaled distance sought between the original points.

While I have shown and described but a single embodiment of my invention with but one alternative ;form of rotary indicator, it will be understood that numerous changes in size, design, shape and number of the various parts may be made, and that the various elements of the 'level may be calibrated in accordance with either the domestic, metric .or any other well-known standards of measurement desired, and may be subdivided .as required, without departing from the spirit .of my invention as defined by the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. 'In a device of the character disclosed, a body having a calibrated straight edge, a calibrated arm having one end pivoted to one end of the said body, a second calibrated arm extend-.- ing between the first arm and body and pivoted to said body at the point of pivoting of said first arm, both of said arms having straight edges converging on the point of pivoting of said arms with the body, said second arm bein movable depen t y of sa d b d a d d firs arm to proportion the angle termed between the latter, an arcuate member secured to the end of said first arm opposite the pivot for said arm and extending slidably through said body, the arc of said arcuate member having a center on the point, of pivoting of said first arm andthe body, and bearing, side by said, scales of degrees and slope per unit of measurement of one side of the angle formed between said first arm and said body, the slope scale beingcoordinated with the calibrations of said first arm and straight edge of the body whereby the length of the sides and degree of any angle formed between the body and e fi st r a th .9 o the t m 16 per unit of measurement of the straight edge of the body relative to a horizontal plane is indieated, and a rotar indicator carried by said body operable to indicate the degree of slope of the straight edge of the body relative to a predetermined plane.

2. The device as set io'rth in claim 1, characterized in that the second named arm is provided with a guide at the outer end thereof in engagement with the arcuate arm carried by thefirst arm, means to lock said arm to said arcuate member at any point thereon, a finger carried by the second arm and an elongated slotted re tainer releasably secured to said finger, the said elongated slotted retainer overlying the said body, and means between the said body and said elongated slotted retainer for locking said slotted retainer against movement.

3. Ihe device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that a calibrated T-square comprising a bar and a back member is provided, the said back member being slidable on the first named arm, the said bar overlying the straight edge of said body and the first and second arms.

4. The device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that a level is carried by the body and operable to indicate a horizontal position of said straight edge of the body.

EZRA LEO CALLAHAN.

R e ces @9 9 in t file f this Pate t TE STA E PA E S Number Name Date 426,696 Washburn Apr. 29, 1890 505,937 Brown Oct. 3, 1893 662,977 Schmelz Dec. 4, 1900 740,491 Tille-y Oct. 6, 1903 776,277 Volberding Nov. 29, 1904 839,662 Smith Dec. 25,. 1906 875,243 1 Cramer Dec. 31, 1907 905,054 Chynoweth Nov. 24, 1908 977,735 Hansen 2. Dec. 6, 1910 1,014,402 Larsen Jan. 9, 1912 1,024,863 Myers Apr. 30, 1912 1,043,605 Kendrick Nov. 5, 1912 1,145,719 Tucker July 6, 1915 1,215,711 Rounds Feb. 13, 1917 1,409,342 Henricks Mar. 14, 1922 11,640,020 Abrahamson .1. Aug. 23, 1927 1,855,394 Hill Apr. 26, 1932 1,855,664 Budge Apr. 26, 1932 2,068,128 Galford Jan, 19, 1937 2,097,848 Torbert Nov. 2, 1937 2,160,049 Willson May 30, 1939 2,211,201 Fell Aug. 13, 1940 2,220,029 Stephan Oct. 29, 1940 2,332,347 Shaferet a1 Oct. 19, 1943 2,370,753 Reece Mar. 6, 1945 FORElGiN PATENTS Numb r C un ry Date 527,754 German June 20, 1931 

